Last week I had the opportunity to meet with a wonderful group of women at the Swedish American Executive Women’s Conference sponsored by the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) here in NYC. The brainchild of Renee Lundholm, SACC President who felt strongly the Chamber needed to develop specialized women’s programming she launched the Executive Women’s Conference about 8 years ago. Women of Swedish ancestry from throughout the US mingled … with women who came from all over Sweden, and a few of us non-Swedes to discuss issues facing working women in the global recession. Citigroup hosted the daylong conference.
Although a few men were present throughout the day, something magical happens when women get together even when they are from different countries. The issues are similar although at the core there are basic differences in cultural beliefs and values. Take childcare for example. I know women in the US who are having a hard time getting 3 months maternity leave. In Sweden everyone, women and men get 18 months. What does that say about the value each places on children? In the US we are just coming to terms with a failing education system. It boggles my mind people don’t realize our children are our future here in the US. It’s opportunities like this event where women can come together and share their stories and ideas that are so important. This is how we learn and grow as people. This is the only way we can make the world a better place.

Which brings me to the second point I want to make in this blog. I received an email last night with a link, which I am putting in this blog. This informative short video was an eye opener! I’d been asked to view the video before going on a call to discuss the new Trump Network skincare line BIOCE. We are working towards getting BioCe recognized on the "safe cosmetic" list. In the video, one of the first products mentioned was my favorite shampoo. Alarming to say the least. We need to do a better job in this country and the world and put a higher value on people’s health than profits. This is something everyone-women and the men who love the women in their lives, need to pay attention to. Spend a few minutes to view it. http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=682

This ties in to the last point I want to make today. At a committee meeting yesterday for an organization I am volunteering with, the sobering news that we were not up to last year’s levels for contributions to our premier event was shared. A discussion ensued about the economy and how people are struggling and those with money are not spending. This on the heals of the news that Wall Street bonuses will reach a new record this year. A bonafide capitalist I ask, isn’t there something wrong with this picture?